----Source: Wednesday, May 7, 1997 edition of the Clark County Press

Robert E. Cattanach

Robert Cattanach, age 76, of Neillsville, died Tuesday, April 29, 1997 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

Robert Earl Cattanach was born on July 3, 1920 in Owen, Wisconsin, the son of Lewis and Nina (Cornwell) Cattanach. He graduated from Owen High School and enlisted in the United States Navy on June 6, 1939. His numerous stations include service aboard the USS Hornet and the USS Helena. He survived the attack on Pearl Harbor and later the sinking of the USS Helena in the Battle of Guadalcanal and was a Purple Heart recipient. On Nov. 27, 1943, he was united in marriage to Irene Papierniak in Newport News, Virginia. Upon his discharge from the Navy on Oct. 23, 1945 he returned home and began working for the Northern States Power Company. His career with NSP lasted 37 years and included the cities of Thorp, Stanley, Altoona, Eau Claire, and since 1971, Neillsville. Bob remained very active with the survivors of the USS Helena over the years. He was a member of the Thorp Volunteer Fire Department for many years, the Lions Club in Thorp, and the Rotary Club in Neillsville. He was an avid golfer and for many years was a member and past president on the Board of Directors of the Neillsvile Country Club. He was also a member of the Haueen-Richmond American Legion Post #73 in Neillsville and St. Mary's Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife, Irene; five sons, Robert, Jr. (Terry) of St. Paul, Minn., Doug (Heidi) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Mark (Barb) of Neillsville, Curt of wauwatosa, Wis., and Todd of Marshfield; four grandchildren: Sarah of St. Paul, Minn., Philip of West Point, New York, Becky of Minneapolis, Minn., and Katherine of St. Paul, Minn.; two step-grandchildren, Ryan Pagenkopf of Spencer, Wis., and Heather Pagenkopf of Neillsville, and one brother, Lewis (Edna) of Boscobel, Wis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Nina, four brothers, Bert, James, John and Irving; and one sister, Jean Glenzer.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 2, 1997 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville. Celebrant was Fr. Joseph Henseler. Music was provided by Ronald Resong, organist and St. Mary's Adult Choir. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Withee, Wis., with military rites accorded by the Haugen-Richmond American Legion Post #73, Neillsville. Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday at the Gesche Funeral Home with a scripture service at 7:30 p.m.

Casket bearers were Ed Christensen, Roland Jenni, Henry Lukes, Joe Urban, Jr., Harry Zaleski and Lloyd Zimmerman,

The Gesche Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.